India took on West Indies in the opening ODI at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Rohit Sharma opened the batting for the hosts and compiled a measured innings before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph in the 12th over.
He began with intent, steering India to 70/0 after ten overs, but the 39‑year‑old could not turn his start into a substantial score as the side went on to win by eight wickets.
Dinesh Karthik cautioned fans against being overly eager, noting that Rohit’s dismissal was an isolated incident not warranting deep analysis. Rohit attempted a whip shot towards Alzarri Joseph for a boundary but miscued it to deep square leg.
“He batted well till he lasted; let’s not get too greedy now. One opener got a hundred, the No.3, the best in the world, got a hundred. Rohit Sharma batted really well; I mean, the shot he got out to, it is a shot that he plays really well,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
“If I were with Rohit Sharma, I would tell him that you tried it 2-3 times; you did not connect at all. But it is Rohit Sharma. I know that he is kind of a guy who will be very sure of what he is doing on a cricket field,” he added.
Rohit got a lifeline in the sixth over when Alzarri Joseph dropped a catch, yet he failed to capitalize on the chance.
Technical adjustments ahead for Rohit
Karthik pointed out particular technical aspects Rohit could work on, noting that minor tweaks to his footwork and weight distribution might help the opener regain form in the series.
“He will go look back on what he did; it could be something as simple as the weight going a touch too much on the off side, a small little technical thing. Once he gets that right, I am sure he will get going,” Karthik said.
